Sunderland vs Arsenal LIVE: Premier League result, final score and reaction

Mayenda comes on for Sunderland. He was the scorer of their first goal after returning to the Premier League. Geertruida makes way for him in an attacking change.

Rice goes for the spectacular! Brobbey loses possession, possibly after being fouled, but referee Pawson waves play on. The England international quickly spots Roefs off his line and tries an audacious effort from inside his own half. The technique is flawless, but the ball just drifts wide of the right post. Had it been on target, it would've been 3-1 to Arsenal.

Sunderland extend their unbeaten home run, holding Arsenal to a thrilling 2-2 draw and denying the Gunners all three points. Ballard’s first-half header gave Sunderland the lead at the break, but Arsenal emerged with real intent in the second half. Just nine minutes after the restart, Merino cleverly slipped a pass into Saka, who finished smartly at the near post to level the score. Zubimendi twice came close to putting Arsenal ahead – first with a delicate touch that drifted narrowly wide, and then with a thunderous volley that rattled the crossbar. The breakthrough finally came when Trossard unleashed a stunning strike into the top corner, giving Arsenal what looked like a decisive lead. Sunderland kept fighting, however, and their persistence paid off deep into stoppage time. Substitute Brobbey launched himself into the air to meet a flick-on and beat the onrushing Raya. Arsenal appealed for a foul, but after a quick check, the goal stood – sending the Stadium of Light into a frenzy. The late drama didn’t end there. Merino seemed certain to snatch a last-minute winner for Arsenal, but Ballard – who already had a goal and an assist – produced a heroic block to deny him. Arsenal dominated the xG battle (2.09 to Sunderland’s 0.44) and showcased strong open-play quality, particularly in the second half. But in the end, it’s the scoreline that matters. Sunderland climb to third in the Premier League after a remarkable start to the season, while Arsenal extend their lead at the top to seven points. Up next, Sunderland head to struggling Fulham after the international break, while Arsenal prepare for a blockbuster North London derby against Tottenham. That’s all from us tonight – join us next time. Goodnight!

CROSSBAR!!! Saka delivers a delightful cross into the box, Roefs comes rushing off his line, and the ball falls to Zubimendi on the edge of the area. He strikes it cleanly with his laces, but it just doesn’t dip enough, rattling the bar instead. Arsenal are piling on the pressure now.

FULL-TIME: SUNDERLAND 2-2 ARSENAL

We’re now into the eighth minute of added time, and Sunderland look set to deny Arsenal an 11th consecutive win.

WOWWWWWW!!!! ARSENAL SHOULD SCORE! The Gunners surge forward and the ball falls to Merino just outside the six-yard box. He smashes a shot toward goal, but Ballard hurls himself in the way to block it before it can find the net. What a performance from the centre-half!

Ballard adds an assist to his first-half goal with that header, capping off an impressive performance.

GOOOOOAAAAALLLL!!!! SUNDERLAND SCORE!!!! 2-2!!!! Sunderland show great patience, working the ball into the box where Ballard flicks it on to Brobbey. The striker hurls himself into the air, connecting with a right-footed effort that flies past the onrushing Raya and into the back of the net. Arsenal appeal for a foul on Gabriel – but the goal stands! Sunderland are level!

Sunderland are throwing bodies forward now, but Rice is covering every blade of grass as ever. They’re being patient, looking for the right pass, but this time it’s Rice who heads the danger clear inside the box.